Food and beverage container

ABSTRACT

A carrier for transporting food and drink carriers is provided having a planar handle with a box-like support on each opposing side of the carrier. The upper surface of each support has an asymmetrically located opening for a beverage carrier and for a food carrier. A spacing member extends from a periphery of each opening and has a locking tab engaging a corresponding locking opening in a lower surface of the support. Promotional cards are formed in side walls of the supports and may be formed in the handle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofprovisional patent applications No. 60/342,019, filed Dec. 19, 2001, andNo. 60/340,868, filed Dec. 12, 2001, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by references.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a food and beverage containerthat is portable, stackable, easily erectable, sturdy, and aestheticallyappealing wherein the container will have promotional indicia eitherattached or printed on the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the operation of fast-food carryout at restaurants, stadiums,arenas and other facilities, a number of selected items of food anddrink are frequently carried by the patrons. If more than one or twoitems are to be carried, some type of carrier is typically provided forthe patron's convenience. Such a carrier should be inexpensive, readilytransportable, compactly stored, and quickly and easily loaded, allwithout compromising the ability to safely and conveniently carry anumber of liquid filled containers.

[0004] Food and beverage containers are known that are made of foldablematerial. Examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,738,217 and 5,972,502 whichstack a food container on top of a beverage container. These prior artutilize a two part container wherein one container is used to hold thefood, another separate container is used to hold the beverage, and thefood container has a handle integrally formed with the container tocarry food from the point of purchase to the patron's final destination.

[0005] These prior devices have deficiencies. Accordingly, there is aneed for an improved container, and there is a further need for acontainer to carry common combinations of items, such as two beveragesand two food containers where the container is convenient to theconsumer, portable, stackable, easily erectable, sturdy, and have, andare easy to erect, convenient to consumers, and have promotional indiciaeither attached or printed on the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A carrier for transporting food and beverage containers isprovided. The carrier has a handle located in a first, generallyvertical plane during use of the carrier. First and second supports areeach connected to the handle along one of a first and second hinge linethat are parallel to each other and located on opposing sides of thehandle. Each support extends laterally from the handle, and each supportfurther has an upper surface and an opposing lower surface with eachsurface having a periphery. The opposing surfaces are spaced apart andjoined together along a portion of a periphery of each surface. Eachupper support defines a round beverage opening sized to receive abeverage container during use of the carrier, and further defines a foodopening sized to receive a food container during use of the carrier. Thebeverage openings are located asymmetrically with respect to the firstplane and the food openings are located asymmetrically with respect tothe first plane. A bottom surface extends below the food and beverageopenings to support any containers placed in those openings. The handleis connected to the bottom surface along a middle of the bottom surface.The joined periphery of the carrier preferably has distal edge on eachupper and lower surface which distal edges are joined by a side panel.The side panel is substantially parallel to the first plane and furtherincludes a plurality of spacing tabs extending from the side panel andgenerally parallel to the first plane of the handle.

[0007] The carrier further includes a first locking opening formed inthe lower surface and located beneath the food opening on each support.Further, two first spacing members are connected to an edge of one foodopening and have a distal edge sized and located to extend to the lowersurface of the support below that connected edge. The distal edge has afirst locking tab. The first locking tab and first locking opening arelocated so the first locking tab engages the first locking openingduring use of the carrier to help stabilize the container. The firstlocking tab extends beyond the lower surface a distance sufficient torest against a supporting surface during use of the carrier. Additionallocking openings can be formed in the lower surface to cooperate withspacing members and locking tabs extending from other openings on theupper surface of the supports. The locking tabs can be T-shaped, or ofvarious other shapes.

[0008] The carrier preferably has a planer handle with a flangeextending laterally from the handle at an end adjacent the bottomsurface. The flange is fastened to the bottom surface along asubstantial width of the bottom surface measured along the plane of thehandle. The side panels advantageously contain a plurality ofpromotional cards which are perforated, cut, or both around a peripheryof the cards to make the cards detachable and with the cards containingpromotional materials. Preferably, at least one of the spacing membersis detachable, and contains printed indicia to form a promotional card.The carrier is preferably formed of a single piece of paperboard.

[0009] Another version of this carrier includes a first and secondsupport each connected to and located on opposing sides of a planarhandle. The supports each have an upper surface with a beverage openingtherein sized to receive the beverage container during use of thecarrier. The beverage openings are located asymmetrically with respectto the planar handle. Each support further has a food opening locatedasymmetrically with respect to the planar handle. A lower surface islocated below the upper surface of each container and connected to eachupper surface. The lower surface is located from the upper surface adistance suitable to support a bottom of the beverage container on thelower surface and to form a bottom of the food container during use ofthe carrier. A side panel joins distal edges of the upper and lowersurface to hold those edges a predetermined distance apart. The sidepanels have a plurality of support tabs extending beyond the lowersurface along a line from the upper surface toward the lower surface inorder to support the carrier on the support surface during use of thecarrier. A plurality of support members are connected to the uppersurface and extend through aligned locking openings on the lower surfaceto provide a support between the upper and lower surfaces. The supportmembers have a locking tab on each distal end of the members to engagethe locking opening. The locking tabs extend below the lower surface toabut the support surface during use of the carrier.

[0010] The carrier further includes at least one first hinge line in theplane of the handle along the location where one of the supports fastensto the handle so the handle can abut the support in a foldedconfiguration. The carrier further includes hinge lines parallel to thefirst hinge line and located where the side panel joins the upper andlower surfaces so the upper and lower surfaces can lay against eachother in a folded configuration. Preferably the handle is bent to form aflange extending laterally from the plane of the handle adjacent thebottom surface with the bottom surface being fastened to the flange, andin the folded configuration the flange unbends to lay in the generalplane of the handle.

[0011] The carrier is preferably formed from a single piece blank ofmaterial having a width and a length. The blank includes nine panels andat least eight fold lines. The panels include a first glue panel havinga free edge forming the first distal end of the blank and having aninterior edge extending across the width of the blank to form a firstfold line defining a first flange. The blank includes a second paneldefining a first side of the handle of the container. The second panelhas an opening therein sized to allow the fingers of a hand to enter theopening and grip the handle. The second panel shares the first fold linewith the first panel and has a second fold line opposite thereto. Athird panel defines a second side of the handle of the container. Thethird panel has an opening therein sized and located to align with theopening in the second panel when the first and second panels arefastened together and folded about the second fold line to form thehandle. The third shares the second fold line with the second panel andhas a third fold line opposite thereto.

[0012] The blank includes a fourth panel for forming the second uppersurface of the carrier. The fourth panel has a round first beverageopening and has a second food opening cut therein. A periphery thatdefines at least one of the first and second openings in the fourthpanel is slit to form a support member extending into the opening in thefourth panel. The support member on the fourth panel has a locking tabon a distal end thereof. The fourth panel shares the third fold linewith the third panel and has a fourth fold line opposite the third foldline. A fifth panel forms a second side panel of the carrier. The fifthpanel shares the fourth fold line with the fourth panel and has anopposing fifth fold line. A sixth panel forms a lower surface of thecarrier. The sixth panel has a plurality of locking openings formedtherein which openings are sized and located to receive the locking tabon the support member of the second panel. The sixth panel shares thefifth fold line with the fifth panel and has an opposing, sixth foldline,

[0013] A seventh panel forms a second side panel of the carrier. Theseventh panel shares the sixth fold line with the sixth panel and has anopposing seventh fold line. An eighth panel forms a first upper surfaceof the carrier. The eighth panel has a round first beverage opening andhaving a second food opening cut therein. A periphery that defines atleast one of the first and second openings in the eighth panel is slitto form a support member extending into the opening in the eighth panel.The support member on the eighth panel has a locking tab on a distal endthereof that is located and sized relative to locking openings in thesixth panel so as to engage one of those locking openings when thecarrier is formed. The eighth panel shares the seventh fold line withthe seventh panel and has an eighth fold line opposite the seventh foldline. A final, ninth panel forms a flange that is fastened to the secondpanel to form the carrier. The ninth panel shares the eighth fold linewith the seventh panel.

[0014] The blank advantageously, but optionally has at least one of theside panels perforated to define a portion of a detachable promotionalcard. Moreover, it is preferable to have at least one set of the thirdand fourth or fifth and sixth fold lines having a portion of the foldline perforated to further define the detachable promotional card. It isfurther desirable that the sixth panel further has a plurality of slitsbeginning and ending on each of the fifth and sixth fold lines in orderto define spacing tabs on the carrier. Moreover, it is desirable to havethe support tab located on an edge of at least one of the food openingswhich edge is located nearest a side edge of the blank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] These as well as other features and objects of the invention willbecome more apparent upon reference to the drawings in which likenumbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrier;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the carrier of FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a right end view of the carrier of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a left end view of the carrier of FIG. 1;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a back side view of the carrier of FIG. 1, with theopposing side view being the same;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the carrier of FIG. 1;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a bland used to form the carrier ofFIG. 1; and

[0023] FIGS. 8-10 are plan views of alternative embodiments of lockingtabs used with the carrier of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a carrier 10 is shown for carrying food andbeverage containers and conveying promotional information. The carrier10 has a handle 20 that is preferably, but optionally in a firstvertical plane (shown as containing the Y-Z axis) during use of thecarrier, with a first support 30 on one side of that plane and a secondsupport 32 on an opposing side of that plane. The handle 20 has anopening 24 that is used to carry the carrier 10. The opening 24 is sizedto allow users to place their fingers inside of the opening and graspthe handle 20. Various sized, shaped and numbers of opening(s) 24 can beused.

[0025] Additionally, since sports stadiums are normally very crowded,the corners of the handle 20 are rounded such that the corners willcatch or snag clothing as users are walking back to their seats with thecarrier 10. Larger diameter corners are desired, but as the diameter ofthe corner increases less surface area exists for promotional indicia.Hence, the diameter is balanced between patron safety and amount ofpromotional advertising space. In the present invention, a corner radiusof about one inch or less is believed suitable. The opening 24 islocated so as to provide sufficient strength to carry the items held incarrier 10, while maximizing the display area on handle 20.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the first and second supports 30, 32extend laterally from the first plane containing handle 20. As depicted,when the carrier 10 is ready for use the supports 30, 32 extend in asecond plane (shown as the X-Y plane) that is generally perpendicular tothe first plane. Thus, the second plane is generally parallel to theground when the carrier 10 is ready for use. During use the weight ofthe food and drinks causes the distal ends of supports 30, 32 to sagdownward relative to the connection with the handle 20, so the supportsare not perfectly planar. But for this description the supports 30, 32will still be referred to as generally planar and that encompasses thesag occurring with items are placed in the carrier 10.

[0027] The supports 30, 32 are preferably of generally similarconstruction, but asymmetrical relative to the first plane and handle20. The first support 30 preferably has a hollow, box-like constructionformed by an upper surface 36 and an opposing lower surface 38 generallyparallel to the second plane, and separated along one side by a distalside panel 42 that is generally parallel to the handle 20. The planarhandle 20 and side panel 42 form opposing side panels of the support 30in order to form a quadrilateral support 30. The upper surface 30 has afree, first distal edge 40 a and an opposing, interior edge 41 a thatforms a fold line for a flange 43 that is fastened to panel 20 a,preferably by gluing, to form the handle 20 as described in more detaillater. The lower surface 38 has a first distal edge 40 b and an interioredge 41 b adjacent a flange 39 fastened to the handle 20. Side panel 42extends between edges 40 a, 40 b.

[0028] Preferably, but optionally, at least one, and preferably aplurality of support tabs 45 extend from the side panel 42 along a lineextending from the upper to the lower surfaces 36, 38. More preferably,the support tabs 45 are integrally formed with the side panel 45, asdescribed further below. The support tabs are sized to slightly offsetthe bottom 30 of the carrier 10 from the surface on which the carrierrests during use, and can alternatively serve as tabs to dislodgepromotional cards from the carrier, as discussed below. If the supporttabs 45 are omitted, then the carrier 10 rests on the bottom 30.

[0029] Advantageously, but optionally, the side edges 40 a, 40 b andedges 41 a, 41 b are parallel. Preferably, the distance between sideedges 40 a, 40 b and between edges 41 a, 41 b are the same to define asupport 30 having a generally rectangular cross section. As seen in FIG.1, the upper and lower surfaces 36, 38, the side panel 42 and theportion of handle 20 between the surfaces 36, 38, define a generallyrectangular box with open ends.

[0030] The first support 30 has a drink opening and a food opening.Thus, upper surface 36 contains two openings, a drink or beverageopening 44 and a food opening 46. The first beverage opening 44 ispreferably round, which includes oval or elliptical shapes. Morepreferably a circular opening is provided for holding beveragecontainers such as the typical cups of soda or beer, although the shapecould vary to accommodate drink containers of various shape. Thediameter of the first beverage opening 44 is further preferably selectedto accommodate the particular size of the drink container used by thefood-serving establishment using carrier 10, such as 12 ounce, 16 ounce,or 24 ounce containers. For many drink containers, an opening about 2 ⅞inches diameter is suitable, with the bottom of the drink containerresting on and being supported by bottom surface 38.

[0031] The beverage opening 44 is preferably placed as close to thehandle 20 as practical while still allow easy insertion and removal ofthe beverage container from the opening 44. It is preferably that theedge of the round opening 44 not be more than 1.5 inch from the adjacentedge of the handle 20, and preferably from about ⅝ to 1.25 inches. Thebeverage container placed in opening 44 is heavy and the close spacingrelative to the handle allows the use of lighter and less expensivematerials for the support 30.

[0032] The first food opening 46 is formed adjacent to the firstbeverage opening 44 in the upper surface 36 of the first support 30. Theopening 46 may have a variety of shapes, and is shown as having a squareor rectangular shape. The opening 46 is preferably sized and shaped toaccommodate a specific type of food container to be placed inside of thefirst food opening 46, for example, popcorn, candy, hamburgers, hotdogs, or ice cream containers. Combinations of sizes may be provided forspecific uses, as for example soda and popcorn, or beer and popcorn, orbeer and hamburger or beer and two hot dogs. Alternatively, the foodopening 46 may be of general size sufficient to accommodate a variety offood containers.

[0033] As seen in FIG. 2, the beverage opening 44 is located closer to,or extends slightly over a central axis Y-Y than does the food opening46. This location of the beverage openings 44 places the drinkcontainers closer to the center of the carrier 10, and thus allows theuse of lighter materials on the support 32 and on carrier 10. The foodcontainers are typically less heavy than the beverages, and are notplaced as close to the center. Advantageously, the center of the drinkopening 44 and the center of the food opening are located so that theyare balanced about the Y axis perpendicular to the handle 20, extendingthrough the center of the carrier 10. The balancing helps avoid twistingof the carrier 10 and support 30.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, at least one spacing member 50 ispreferably interposed between the upper and lower surfaces 36, 38adjacent the otherwise open ends of the first support 30. The spacingmember 50 helps maintain the spacing between the upper and lowersurfaces 36, 38, and location that helps strengthen and stabilize thecarrier 10. But the spacing members cannot be too close to the peripheryof the upper support 30, 32 as that would weaken the support 30, 32.Preferably the spacing member 50 is formed from the upper surface 36from the material that would be cut out to form the openings 44, 46. Thespacing member 50 is preferably formed adjacent the opposing ends 52 a,52 b of the carrier 10. Thus, the upper surface 36 preferably has one ofthe edges defining openings 44, 46 cut, scored, perforated orcombinations thereof, so the spacing member(s) 50 can be bent down fromthe edge of an opening 44, 46.

[0035] The spacing member 50 can be of various shapes, but areadvantageously be sized to extend between and support opposing surfaces36, 38. In FIG. 1, spacing member 50 is shown as having a semi-circularperiphery as it is formed from the round opening forming beverageopening 44. As desired, an offset 51 can be interposed between thesupport member 50 and the upper surface 36 so that formation of thespacing member 50 does not extend into the opening 44. This is useful ifthe opening is configured to closely correspond to the shape of abeverage or food container and it helps ensure the opening adequatelyreceives, and possibly engages, the respective food or beveragecontainer. Alternatively, the spacing member 50 can simply be perforatedand bent into position, as is shown for the quadrilateral food opening46 and the rectangular spacing member 50 formed from an edge of thatopening.

[0036] Referring now also to FIGS. 6 and 8-10, the spacing member 50 hasa distal end that preferably, but optionally, has a locking tab 54 toengage a locking opening 56 in the bottom 38. The location of thelocking tabs 54 and locking openings 56 are aligned to allow engagement.Thus, the locking openings 56 are generally formed in the lower surface38, below the connection of the spacing members 50 in the upper surface36, in order to achieve the locking engagement. Engagement of thelocking tab 54 and locking opening 56 connects the upper and lowersurfaces 36, 38 and helps strengthen the first support 30. Preferablythe engagement of the locking tab and locking opening 56 restrictsrelative movement of the upper and lower surfaces 36, 38 by engaging thelocking tabs 54 with edges of the locking recesses 56. The engagement ofthe locking tabs with the locking recesses also helps maintain theexpanded configuration of the carrier 10.

[0037] The locking tab 54 and locking recess 56 can take a variety ofconfigurations, including a “T” shaped locking tab (FIGS. 3, 10), an “L”tab with a single locking member (FIGS. 3, 9), or a curved tab with slitends (FIGS. 3, 8). The recess 56 can take the form of a slot, or anopening with cuts or slits extending therefrom to frictionally engagethe tab 54 as it extends through the opening and slits (FIG. 6). Avariety of such locking tabs and openings are known, and the abovedescription is given by way of illustration, not limitation.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the spacing member(s) 50 are preferablylocated adjacent the open ends 52 a, 52 b of the carrier 10. Thatlocation helps them more easily stabilize the support 30 and carrier 10.The spacing members 50 must be sufficiently far from the ends 52 so asnot to unacceptably reduce the strength of the support 30 and carrier10.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the second support 32 is connected to thehandle 20, on side of the handle 20 that is opposite the first support30. Additionally, the second support 32 extends generally in the secondplane. The second support 32 has many features in common with the firstsupport 30, and similar parts will be described only briefly usingsimilar numbers, except increased by 100. As the first and secondsupports are similarity constructed, numerous details given indescribing first support 30 will not be repeated in the description ofsecond support 32. Differences between the first and second supports 30,30 will be discussed later.

[0040] Thus, the second support 32 has an upper surface 136 and anopposing bottom or lower surface 138 separated by side panel 142, withdistal edges 140 a, 140 b defining the edges lines of the side panel andfurther defining distal edges of the upper and lower surfaces 136, 138,respectively. Support tabs 145 extend from the side panels 142 along aline from the upper surface 136 to the lower surface 138, and preferablyin a plane parallel to the plane of handle 20. The upper and lowersurfaces 136, 138 and the side panel 142, together with the portion ofhandle 20 between the upper and lower surfaces 136, 138, form a box-likestructure with open ends 152 a, 152 b.

[0041] A second beverage opening 144 and second food opening 146 areformed in the upper surfaces 136. Spacing members 150 having distallocking tabs 152 placed in locking openings 156 are also provided. Asdesired, offsets 151 can be used to ensure the shape of the openings144, 146.

[0042] The differences in the construction of the second support 32 areprimarily as follows. The first and second beverage opening 44, 144 areasymmetrically located with respect to the handle 20. That is, they areon opposing sides of both the X and Y axes as seen in FIG. 2. Similarly,the first and second food openings 46, 146 are asymmetrically locatedwith respect to handle 20. Additionally, the bottom 38, 138 preferablycomprises a single sheet of material, although two sheets of separatematerial joined to handle 20 could be used. Still further, the way thesecond support 32 connects to the handle 20 is different. As seen inFIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the handle 20 extends between the upper and lowersurfaces 136, 138, and has an interior end forming flange 39 thatfastens to the bottom 138. The upper surface 136 bends at fold line 141a where it abuts an adjacent panel 20 b and is glued to that panel toform part of handle 20. The second support 32 has no flange 43 as in thefirst support 30.

[0043] As discussed above, the locking tabs with their mating lockingopening and the glue lines create a carrier 10 that is rigid and durablesuch that the consumer may carry the carrier 10 in confidence.Furthermore, a discussion of the type of locking mechanism will befollowed by a discussion on the reasons that the locking mechanism inconjunction with the orientation of the food and drinks in the first andsecond support 32 synergistically creates a sturdier carrier 10.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a further description of one lockingtab 54, 154 is given. The semicircular spacing member 50, 150 has agenerally semi-circular configuration, and a locking tab 54, 154 whichconsists of a slit 60 on both sides of the locking tab. Thecorresponding locking openings 56, 156 (FIG. 7) have a semi-circularopening 62 with a straight end having cuts or slits 64, 164 extendinginto the material forming the opening 62. When the semi-circular lockingtab 54, 154 engages the locking opening 62, the slits 60 in thesemi-circular locking tab 54, 154 engage the slits 64 in thesemi-circular opening 62 to interlock. The width of the semi-circle ofthe locking tab 54, 154 is equal or slightly larger than the width ofthe slit 60 of the mating locking opening 62. The outer edges of thesemi-circular locking tab 54, 154 is generally curved or flat, as shownin FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, such that during movement of the carrier 10 (i.e.,when the user walks back to his/her seat) the locking tab will notvibrate out of the locking opening 62.

[0045] Another type of locking tab 54, 154 is the T-tab lock. The T-tablock is generally configured as a double hook as shown in FIGS. 3, 7 and8. The locking tabs 54, 154 may also be configured in an L shape asshown in FIG. 9. Although a slit may be used as the mating lockingopening for both the double hook or L shaped locking tabs, a slot ispreferably used to promote convenience in inserting the locking tab intothe locking opening.

[0046] Because the beverage containers are diagonally placed from eachother in beverage openings 44, 144, and because the beverages aregenerally heavier than the foods placed in the food opening 46, 146,this combination will asymmetrically bend the carrier 10. The result isthat the carrier 10 twists so the two corners of the carrier 10 adjacentthe beverage openings 44, 144 are lower than the two corners adjacentthe food openings 46, 146. This twisting causes one end of the lockingtabs 54 to be more heavily loaded than the other end of the sane lockingtabs. Further, this twisting causes one side of the locking tabs labeled54 x, 154 x located by the beverage openings 44, 144 to be more engaged.These are labeled in the bottom view of FIG. 2. For these locking tabs54 x and 154 x, it is possible to use only a single sided locking tab,that is an “L” shaped locking tab with a single hook or locking end(FIG. 9). But preferably a “T” shaped locking tab is used that hasengaging surfaces on opposing ends of the tab (FIG. 10).

[0047] Further, the flange 39 acts as a stiffener on the bottom of thecarrier 10, making the bottom 138 of the second support 32 slightlystronger than the bottom 38 of the first support 30. That causes thesecond support 32 to twist less than the first support 138, and at thein the second plane, so that the locking tab 154 on the spacing member150 extending from the edge of the food opening 146 in the secondsupport 32 is urged away from the handle 20. In contrast, the lockingtab 54 on the spacing member 50 extending from the food opening 46 offirst support 30 is urged toward the handle 20. Because of thisasymmetric twisting, it is possible to have a single sided locking tab54, 154 that extend from the food openings 46, 146. The locking tab 54in the support 30 that does not container stiffening flange 32 extendstoward the flange 32, and handle 20, while the locking tab 154 in thesupport 32 that contains stiffening flange 32 extends away from theflange 32 and the handle 20. This is shown in FIGS. 3 (tab 54) and 4(tab 154). The use of single ended, “L” shaped tabs (FIG. 9) isoptional. The use of double ended “T” locking tab 54, 154 (FIG. 10) hasadvantages by providing two directional locking in the plane of thebottom 38, 138.

[0048] The stiffener or flange 39 can hit the spacing member 150 locatedin the support section 32 in which the stiffener 39 is placed. To makeit easier to engage the locking tab 154 and spacing member 150 with therespective opening 156 and bottom 138 adjacent the flange forming thestiffener 39, the edge of the spacing member 150 can be rounded, asshown in FIG. 4.

[0049] The various types of locking tabs 54, 154 may be placed at any ofthe locations where locking tabs are used. Additionally, the placementof the food and drink openings 44, 46, 144, 146 may be placed in anyorientation. However, it has been found that the placement of the foodand drink combination as discussed above in conjunction with the lockingmechanisms and the overall structure of the carrier 10 creates asuperior carrier 10 when viewed in light of the type and thickness ofthe paperboard being used. The sturdy construction and assembly of thecarrier 10 will help consumers to feel that the carrier 10 is not likelyto break or tip. As such, the consumer will be more inclined to view thecarrier 10 and the promotional indicia located thereon.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 7, the carrier 10 is advantageously formed outof a sheet of thin material, such as paper stock, corrugated, plastic,synthetic material, or combinations thereof. Preferably, the carrier 10is formed from paper board stock, coated on the outboard side to be aswater resistant as possible, and with a thickness that is preferably notless than 0.018 caliber (about {fraction (1/64)} of an inch) and whichis preferably about 0.024 caliber ({fraction (1/32)} inch thick) orthicker, in order to adequately support the weight of two drinks and twofood items. The thickness of the material will preferably range fromabout 0.020 inch to about 0.024 inch in thickness for the more commonuses of carrying common combinations of drinks and food items, such assodas and popcorn, or beer and hamburgers or hot dogs. More preferably,the carrier 10 is formed from F flute corrugated. The carrier 10 may bemanufactured from paperboard commonly known in the trade as SBS paper(i.e., solid bleached sulfate paper) or it may be made from recycledpaper. In general, thicker paperboard or other material will be used asthe weight of the contents that the carrier 10 is expected to carry isincreased.

[0051] Advantageously, the carrier 10 can be formed from a single sheetof material that is scored, perforated, cut, or combinations thereof.There are various ways to form the carrier 10, one advantageous way ofwhich is shown that uses nine panels (39, 20 a, 20 b, 136, 142, 138, 38,42, 36 and 43) and eight generally parallel fold lines (41 b, 72, 141 a,140 a, 140 b, 40 b, 40 a, and 41 a) as seen primarily to FIG. 7, butalso in FIG. 1.

[0052] The first panel comprises flange 39 and is defined by a free edgeof the strip of material and first fold line 41 b, also referred to asflange fold line, along which flange 39 folds during assembly to formcarrier 10. The first panel 39 is preferably, but optionally coated withadhesive as indicated by the lined area so it can be glued to bottom138. Other fastening mechanisms can be used, such as staples, rivetsetc., or adhesive can be placed on the mating panel containing bottoms38, 138.

[0053] The second panel, panel 20 a, comprises a portion of handle 20,and is bounded by fold lines 41 b (also 141 b) and fold line 72.Opening(s) 26 defining an opening for gripping the handle are formed inthe panel 20 a. Preferably, but optionally, a glue line is formed onpanel 20 a at the location where flange 43 abuts the panel (FIG. 1).Glue is also preferably placed adjacent fold line 72, around the opening26. The glue areas are indicated by shading.

[0054] The third panel, panel 20 b, also comprises a portion of handle20, and is bounded by fold lines 141 a and fold line 72. Opening(s) 26defining an opening for gripping the handle are formed in the panel 20b, and located to correspond with the openings in panel 20 a.Preferably, but optionally, is also preferably placed adjacent fold line72, around the opening 26 on panel 20 b. The glue areas are indicated byshading. The panels 20 a, 20 b abut each other to form a two-ply handle20 when the carrier is formed as shown n FIG. 1. As desired, printedindicia or promotional cards or promotional items are placed on panels20 a, 20 b.

[0055] The fourth panel is bounded by fold lines 141 a and 140 a, andcomprises upper support surface 136 of the second support 32. Food andbeverage openings 144 and 146 are formed in this fourth panel. The firstbeverage opening 144 can be formed various ways, but is preferablyformed by die cutting at least a portion of the opening out of thematerial from which the carrier 10 is formed. Advantageously, butoptionally, the opening 144 is further cut so as to leave a portion ofthe material in tact within the opening 144 to define the spacing member150. Thus, spacing members 150 and locking tabs 154 can be formed withinthe openings 144, 146 by cutting around the periphery of those members150 and tabs 154, and placing any perforations or slits as needed.

[0056] Thus, the food and beverage openings 144, 146 are created in asimilar manner in that a portion of the material forming carrier 10 isretained within the respective opening 144, 146 to form a spacing member150 and a portion of the respective opening 144, 146 is die cut out ofthe opening. The spacing member 150 is bent out of the plane definingopenings 144, 146 at a crease/perforation line that preferably forms anedge of the respective opening 144, 146, but that may alternatively beoffset by offset 51 from the edge of that opening. The spacing member(s)50, 150 is/are sized to extend the distance between the edge of theopening 144, 146 and the bottom 138. The first spacing members 150 areused to add strength to the structural integrity of the carrier 10 suchthat the carrier 10 will be able to hold more weight even though made ofa thinner material. In a similar manner, the locking tabs 154 are formedon the spacing members 150, with the locking tabs further stabilizingthe carrier 10 and maintaining it in the unfolded position ready foruse.

[0057] The fifth panel is bounded by fold lines 140 a, 140 b, which arepreferably scored, perforated or both. The fifth panel comprises sidepanel 142 of second support 32.

[0058] The sixth panel or bottom panel is bounded by fold line 140 b andfold line 40 b, and comprises bottoms 38, 138. The bottom is preferablya single panel, with the flange 39 glued to the bottom. A strip ofadhesive is preferably placed at the location where the flange 39 abutsthe bottom when the carrier 10 is formed. Locking openings 56, 156 arealso preferably formed in the sixth bottom panel that forms bottoms 38and 138 of both the first and second supports, 30, 32, respectively.Moreover, cuts defining support tabs 45 are also formed in the bottompanel. The cuts begin and end along fold lines 40 b, 140 b and extendinto the bottom panel so the tabs 54 are formed from the bottom paneland bottoms 38, 138. When the side panels 42, 142 bend along fold lines40 b, 140 b, the support tabs 45, being cut from and free from thebottom panel (38, 138), move with the side panels 42, 142. There is thusprovided means for forming integral support tabs 45 on the side panels42, 142. Again though, the support tabs 45 are optional, and can beomitted, in which case the entire length of fold lines 40 b, 140 b wouldbe scored or perforated or both.

[0059] The seventh panel is defined by fold lines 40 a, 40 b andcomprises the side panel 42 of the first support 30. The fold lines 40a, 40 b are preferably scored or perforated, or both.

[0060] The eighth panel is bounded by fold lines 40 a and 41 a, andcomprises upper surface 36 of the first support 30. Food and beverageopenings 44 and 46 are formed in this eighth panel. The first beverageopening 44 can be formed various ways, but is preferably formed by diecutting at least a portion of the opening out of the material from whichthe carrier 10 is formed. Advantageously, but optionally, the opening 44is further cut so as to leave a portion of the material in tact withinthe opening 44 to define the spacing member 50. Thus, spacing members 50and locking tabs 54 can be formed within the openings 44, 46 by cuttingaround the periphery of those members 50 and tabs 54, and placing anyperforations or slits as needed.

[0061] The ninth panel is bounded by fold line 41 a and a distal end ofthe strip of material from which the carrier 10 is formed. The ninthpanel forms flange 43. The flange 43 is coated with adhesive so it canbe fastened to handle 20. Again, other fastening methods can be used.Further, if adhesive is placed on the middle of the bottom panel, theadhesive on the flange 43 can be omitted, and vice versa. Preferablyadhesive is placed on both flange 43 and bottom panel 138 along thejuncture of the flange 43.

[0062] The single sheet of material has two opposing distal ends, eachof which forms a distal end of one of flange 39 or flange 43. Theflanges 39, 43 are each connected to handle 20. Flange 43 is glued orotherwise fastened to handle 20 adjacent the upper support surface 36.The flange 43 abuts the handle 20, and in particular panel 20 a. Flange43 extends along a line in the vertical plane of panel 20 in a directionfrom the upper surface 36 toward the lower surface 38. That is adownward direction in the orientation of the carrier 10 in its normaluse configuration. Only panel 20 a extends between the bottom 38, 138and the distal end of the handle 20 adjacent opening 24, as the panel 20b is folded at fold line 141 a to form upper support surface 136. Thisprovides a stronger handle 20 between the upper support surfaces 36, 136and the distal end of the handle 20. It also provides a short length ofthe handle 20 b connected to and extending between the bottoms 38, 138and upper support surfaces 36, 136.

[0063] The flanges 39, 43 are each formed by bending the distal end ofthe sheet from which the carrier 10 is formed, along hinge lines 41 a,141 b. If viewed from support 30, the hinge line is located in thesupport 30 and is hinge line 41 b. If viewed from the support 32, thehinge line is an interior hinge line and numbered hinge line 141 b. Theyare the same hinge line. The material forming the hinge lines 41 a, 141b has memory so that the material forming the hinge lines tends tounfold and lay flat to approach the flat plane of the single sheet ofmaterial from which the blank of the carrier 10 is formed. Thatorientation of the flanges 39, 43 and their connection to the handle 20and bottom 138, urge the handle 20 toward the X-Y plane in which thebottom 38, 138 of carrier 10 lies during normal use of the carrier.Similarly, the upper support surface 136 is connected to handle 20 balong hinge line 141 a and that hinge line also has memory urging thehandle 20 into the plane of the bottom 38, 138. These hinge lines, 41 a,141 a, 141 b, alone and in various combinations with each other, providemeans for urging the handle 20 into the plane of the bottom 38, 138.That makes it easier to fold the carrier 10 flat for shipping andstorage.

[0064] When the carrier 10 is folded flat, one side 20 a of the handle20 folds toward and preferably rests against upper support 36. Thevarious spacing members 50 are placed generally in the plane of theupper supports 36, 136. The side panel 42 folds generally into the planeof the bottom 38, 138. The side panel 142 and upper support 136 foldagainst the bottom 138. A very compact and flat configuration isprovided.

[0065] The handle 20 preferably contains various types of indicia,preferably promotional and advertising indicia. Further, the uppersupport surfaces 36, 136 can carry such promotional indicia on thoseportions around the openings 44, 46, 144, 146. The side panels 42, 142can also carry such indicia. Moreover, the spacing members 50, 150 cancarry promotional indica on at least one surface, and if desired, onopposing surfaces of the members 50, 150.

[0066] Still further, the side panels 42, 142, the handle 20, and thespacing members 50, 150 can be cut, perforated or combinations of each,to define one or more promotional cards 76. The promotional card 76 isadvantageously, but optionally, perforated or slit around at least aportion of its periphery in to make it easier to remove the card fromthe side panel 41, 142. support 14 or 18, and the promotional area islarge enough to allow removal while allowing the carrier 10 to functionto carry drinks. A typical promotional card 76 is about the same size asa credit card, which is about 3.25 inches by 1.875 inches (8 cm by 4.8cm). But the shape of the promotional card can vary. These promotionalcards 76 can be used to make phone cards, limited credit cards, discountcards, etc.

[0067] When promotional cards 76 are formed on the sides 42, 142, thedistance between hinge lines 40 a, 40 b, and 140 a, 140 b are preferablyselected to be the width of the desired promotional card so the hingelines define an edge of the promotional cards 76. It is advantageous tohave the hinge lines 40 a, 40 b, and 140 a, 140 b define the long sideof a rectangular promotional card 76 as shown in the Figures. In thisconfiguration, the edge of the promotional cards 76 between hinge lines40 a, 40 b, and 140 a, 140 b can be slit, with perforations along thehinge lines 40 a, 40 b, and 140 a, 140 b allowing for easy removal ofthe promotional cards 76. Moreover, the support tabs 45 can be locatedto extend from the middle of each promotional card 76, with the supporttabs 45 providing gripping surfaces to help pull the promotional cards76 off of the carrier 10.

[0068] If promotional cards 76 are not placed on the side surfaces 42,142, the spacing tabs 45 may be omitted and the bottom 38, 138 ofcarrier 10 placed directly on a support surface during use of thecarrier 10. In this configuration, the locking tabs 54, 154 are eitheromitted, or they do not extend beyond the exterior of the bottoms 38,138, or the tabs are bent over so that they do not get into the interiorof the first and second supports 30, 32. When the support tabs 45 areused, then preferably, but optionally, the locking tabs 54, 154 extendbeyond the bottom 38, 138 a distance corresponding to the distance thatthe support tabs 45 extend beyond the bottom 38, 138. Thus, the supporttabs 45 provide a support along opposing sides 42, 142 of the peripheryof the carrier 10, while the locking tabs 54, 154 provide support to thebottom 38, 138 between the sides 42, 142.

[0069] During use, a drink container is placed in each of beverageopenings 44, 144 with the edges defining openings 44, 144 also selectedto help hold and stabilize the drink container. The drink containerrests on the bottom 38, 138 below the respective opening 44, 144. It ispossible, but not preferable, to have aligned openings in the bottom 38,138, located below the drink openings 44, 144 to allow the beveragecontainer to pass through and wedge against the upper surfaces 36, 136and the lower surfaces 38, 138 in order to hold the drink container.Preferably though, the bottom 38, 138 supports the weight of the drinkcontainer placed in beverage opening 44, 144. Likewise, During use, afood item is placed in each food opening 46, 146, and rests against thebottom 38, 138.

[0070] As indicated above regarding the blank shown in FIG. 7, theadhesive adjacent fold lines 24, 30 does not join the panels 20 a, 20 balong their entire periphery and does not join panels 20 a, 20 b for asubstantial portion between fold lines 24, 30 and hand opening 36. Thisforms two abutting panels 20 a, 20 b that are not fastened together fora substantial portion of their central portion, and that has edges notfastened together. Thus, a flat promotional item could be insertedbetween panels 12, 20, such as a CD, a computer disk, a collector card,or other flat item of appropriate size and thickness. If desired, anitem could be inserted and the edges of panels 20 a, 20 b glued tosecurely enclose the item. Further, a collectable image, such as that ofa car or famous person can be placed on one or more of the panels 20 a,20 b so the user of the carrier 10 takes the carrier 10 home to cut outand save the collectable image. Various promotional uses of thepromotional space on panels 20 a, 20 b and the space between thosepanels can be devised, with printed indicia and removable cards 76 beingplaced on any combination of those panels of between those panels.

[0071] Alternatively, the advertising display area on handle 20 couldcontain a flat promotional item removably attached to one or more ofpanels 20 a, 20 b, as for example, having a CD held by slits in thepanel, or a plastic bag containing a promotional item stapled, glued orotherwise fastened to the handle 20. Such promotional items arepreferably flat, and preferably thin, so the carrier 10 can be foldedflat for storage and shipping.

[0072] The above description is given by way of example, and notlimitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art coulddevise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention,including various ways of locating the promotional indicia andpromotional cards. For example, while described as having separate foodand beverage containers it is appreciated that beverage items could beplaced in all of the openings, or that food items could be placed in allof the openings. It is preferably, however, that the shape of theopenings 44, 46, 144, 146 conform to containers used for food items, orbeverage items, etc. Further, the various features of this invention canbe used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are notintended to be limited to the specific combination described herein.Thus, the invention is not to be limited by the illustrated embodimentsbut is to be defined by the following claims when read in the broadestreasonable manner to preserve the validity of the claims.

I claim:
 1. A carrier for transporting food and beverage containers, thecarrier comprising: a handle located in a first, generally verticalplane during use of the carrier; first and second supports eachconnected to the handle along one of a first and second hinge line thatare parallel to each other and located on opposing sides of the handle,each support extending laterally from the handle, each support furtherhaving an upper surface and an opposing lower surface with each surfacehaving a periphery, the opposing surfaces being spaced apart and joinedtogether along a portion of a periphery of each surface, each uppersupport defining a round beverage opening sized to receive a beveragecontainer during use of the carrier, and further defining a food openingsized to receive a food container during use of the carrier; thebeverage openings being located asymmetrically with respect to the firstplane and the food openings being located asymmetrically with respect tothe first plane, the bottom surface extending below the food andbeverage openings to support any containers placed in those openings,the handle being connected to the bottom surface.
 2. The carrier ofclaim 1, wherein the joined periphery comprises a distal edge on eachupper and lower surface which distal edges are joined by a side panel.3. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the side panel is substantiallyparallel to the first plane.
 4. The carrier of claim 2, the side panelfurther comprises a plurality of spacing tabs extending from the sidepanel and generally parallel to the first plane of the handle.
 5. Thecarrier of claims 1, further comprising a first locking opening formedin the lower surface and located beneath the food opening on eachsupport, and further comprising two first spacing members each connectedto an edge of one food opening and having a distal edge sized andlocated to extend to the lower surface of the support below thatconnected edge with that distal edge having a first locking tab, thefirst locking tab and first locking opening being located so the firstlocking tab engages the first locking opening during use of the carrierto help stabilize the carrier, the first locking tab extending beyondthe lower surface a distance sufficient to rest against a supportingsurface during use of the carrier.
 6. The carrier of claim 5, furthercomprising a second locking opening formed in the lower surface andlocated beneath the beverage opening on each support, and furthercomprising a second member connected to an edge of each beverage openingand having a distal edge sized and located to extend to the lowersurface of the support with that distal edge having a second lockingtab, the second locking tab and second locking opening being located sothe second locking tab engages the second locking opening during use ofthe carrier to help stabilize the carrier, the second locking tabextending beyond the lower surface a distance sufficient to rest againsta supporting surface during use of the carrier.
 7. The carrier of claim5, wherein the locking tab is a T-shaped locking tab.
 8. The carrier ofclaim 5, wherein the handle comprises a planer member with a flangeextending laterally from the handle at an end adjacent the bottomsurface and with the flange being fastened to the bottom surface along asubstantial width of the bottom surface measured along the plane of thehandle.
 9. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the side panels contain aplurality of promotional cards which are perforated, cut, or both arounda periphery of the cards to make the cards detachable and with the cardscontaining promotional materials.
 10. The carrier of claim 2, wherein atleast one of the spacing members is detachable, and contains printedindicia to form a promotional card.
 11. The carrier of claim 1, whereinthe carrier is formed of a single piece of paperboard.
 12. The carrierof claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a sheet of material located inthe first plane and bearing promotional indicia thereon.
 13. The carrierof claim 1, wherein the lower surface further comprises openings alignedwith the beverage openings in the upper surface and sized to hold aportion of a drink container inserted therein during use of the carrier.14. A carrier for food and beverage containers, the carrier suitable forresting on a support surface, the carrier comprising: a first and secondsupport each connected to and located on opposing sides of a planarhandle, the supports each having an upper surface with a beverageopening therein sized to receive the beverage container during use ofthe carrier, the beverage openings being located asymmetrically withrespect to the planar handle, each support further having a food openinglocated asymmetrically with respect to the planar handle; a lowersurface located below the upper surface of each container opening andconnected to each upper surface, the lower surface located from theupper surface a distance suitable to support a bottom of the beveragecontainer and a bottom of the food container during use of the carrier;a side panel joining distal edges of the upper and lower surface to holdthose edges a predetermined distance apart, the side panels having aplurality of support tabs extending beyond the lower surface along aline from the upper surface toward the lower surface in order to supportthe carrier on the support surface during use of the carrier; aplurality of support members connected to the upper surface andextending through aligned locking openings on the lower surface toprovide a support between the upper and lower surfaces, the supportmembers having a locking tab on each distal end of the members to engagethe locking opening; the locking tabs extending below the lower surfaceto abut the support surface during use of the carrier.
 15. The carrierof claim 14, further comprising at least one first hinge line in theplane of the handle along the location where one of the supports fastensto the handle so the handle can abut the support in a foldedconfiguration, and further comprising hinge lines parallel to the firsthinge line and located where the side panel joins the upper and lowersurfaces so the upper and lower surfaces can lay against each other in afolded configuration.
 16. The carrier of claim 15, wherein the handle isbent to form a flange extending laterally from the plane of the handleadjacent the bottom surface with the bottom surface being fastened tothe flange, and wherein the folded configuration unbends the flange tolay in the general plane of the handle.
 17. The carrier of claim 14,further comprising promotional tabs on at least one of the side panelsand support members comprise promotional cards.
 18. The carrier of claim17, wherein at least one support tab extends from an edge of apromotional card.
 19. A carrier for food and beverage containers, thecarrier being formed from a single sheet of material having a pluralityof panels, the carrier comprising: a handle having at least asubstantial portion formed of two abutting panels to form first andsecond opposing sides of the handle, the handle having an openingtherein sized to allow a person to grasp the carrier through theopening; two supports, each connected to a different one of the panelsforming the handle and each extending laterally from the handle, eachsupport having an upper surface that is connected at a distal edge to aside panel that is connected to a distal edge of a bottom surface thatis common to the two supports and that is further connected to one ofthe panels forming the handle, the upper surface defining a beverageopening sized to receive the beverage container during use of thecarrier, the beverage openings being located asymmetrically with respectto the handle, each support further having a food opening locatedasymmetrically with respect to the planar handle so that an axisperpendicular to the handle and passing through a center of the beverageopening passes through a food opening on an opposing side of the handle.20. The carrier of claim 19, wherein one of the upper surfaces is bentto form a first flange and the first flange is fastened to the firstside of the handle to connect the upper surface of one of the supportsto the handle.
 21. The carrier of claim 20, wherein the first flangeextends toward the bottom surface.
 22. The carrier of claim 19, whereina distal end of the handle is bent to form a second flange and thesecond flange is fastened to the bottom with the flange located on thesecond side of the handle.
 23. The carrier of claim 19, wherein a distalend of the handle is bent to form a second flange and the second flangeis fastened to the bottom with the flange located on the first side ofthe handle.
 24. The carrier of claim 19, further comprising two firstspacing members each connected to an edge of one food opening which edgeis most distant from the beverage opening located on the same side ofthe handle, each spacing member having a distal edge sized and locatedto extend to the lower surface of the support below that connected edgeand with that distal edge having a first locking tab, the first lockingtab and a first locking opening in the bottom being located so the firstlocking tab engages the first locking opening during use of the carrier,the first locking tab extending beyond the lower surface a distancesufficient to rest against a supporting surface during use of thecarrier.
 25. The carrier of claim 19, further comprising two secondspacing members each connected to an edge of one beverage opening whichedge is most distant from the beverage opening located on the same sideof the handle, each spacing member having a distal edge sized andlocated to extend to the lower surface of the support below thatconnected edge and with that distal edge having a second locking tab,the second locking tab and a second locking opening in the bottom beinglocated so the second locking tab engages the second locking openingduring use of the carrier, the second locking tab extending beyond thelower surface a distance sufficient to rest against a supporting surfaceduring use of the carrier.
 26. The carrier of claim 24, furthercomprising at least one promotional card formed in at least one sidepanel.
 27. The carrier of claim 24, further comprising at least onepromotional card formed the support member.
 28. The carrier of claim 24,further comprising a total of four promotional cards formed in the sidepanels and a total of at least two promotional formed in the spacingmembers.
 29. A carrier for transporting one or more food or beveragecontainers, the carrier comprising: a handle placed in tension duringuse of the carrier and located in a first plane during use of thecarrier; a first support connected to the handle and extending in asecond plane generally perpendicular to and on a first side of the planeof the handle, the first support having an upper surface and an opposinglower surface, the upper and lower surfaces each having a first distaledge with a first side panel connecting those first distal edges tospace the upper and lower surfaces apart by a predetermined distance,the upper surface having a first beverage opening sized to accommodate abeverage container during use of the carrier, and further having anfirst food opening sized to receive a food container during use of thecarrier; a second support connected to the handle and extending in thesecond plane on a opposing side of the plane of the handle, the secondsupport having an upper surface and an opposing lower surface, the upperand lower surfaces of the second support each having a second distaledge with a second side panel connecting those second distal edges tospace the upper and lower surfaces of the second support apart by apredetermined distance, the upper surface of the second support having asecond beverage opening sized to accommodate a beverage container duringuse of the carrier, and further having a second food opening sized toreceive a food container during use of the carrier; the first beverageopening and second food opening being located along a common axis in thesecond plane, and the second beverage opening and the first food openingbeing located along a common axis in the second plane.
 30. The carrierof claim 29, wherein the lower surface of the first support has a firstlocking opening located below the first food opening, and furthercomprising a first spacing member connected to an edge of the first foodopening and having a distal edge sized to extend to the lower surface ofthe first support, the distal edge having a first locking tab, the firstlocking tab and first locking opening being located so the first lockingtab engages the locking opening during use of the carrier.
 31. Thecarrier of claim 30, wherein the lower surface of the second support hasa second locking opening located below the second food opening, andfurther comprising a second spacing member connected to an edge of thesecond food opening and having a distal edge sized to extend to thelower surface of the second support, the distal edge of the secondspacing member having a second locking tab, the second locking tab andsecond locking opening being located so the second locking tab engagesthe second locking opening during use of the carrier.
 32. A The carrierof claim 29, further comprising, a plurality of spacing tabs extendingfrom the first and second side panels and generally parallel to thefirst plane of the handle.
 33. A The carrier of claim 29, wherein thelower surface of the first support has a third locking opening locatedbelow the first beverage opening, and further comprising a third spacingmember connected to an edge of the first beverage opening and having adistal edge sized to extend to the lower surface of the first support,the distal edge having a third locking tab, the third locking tab andthird locking opening being located so the third locking tab engages thethird opening during use of the carrier.
 34. The carrier of claim 29,wherein the lower surface of the second support has a fourth lockingopening located below the second beverage opening, and furthercomprising a fourth spacing member connected to an edge of the secondbeverage opening and having a distal edge sized to extend to the lowersurface of the second support, the distal edge of the fourth spacingmember having a fourth locking tab, the fourth locking tab and fourthlocking opening being located so the fourth locking tab engages thefourth locking opening during use of the carrier.
 35. The carrier ofclaim 29, wherein an axis in the second plane perpendicular to the firstplane intersects the first beverage opening and second food opening. 36.The carrier of claim 29, wherein the side panels contain a plurality ofpromotional cards which are perforated around a periphery of the cardsto make the cards detachable and which contain printed promotionalindicia.
 37. The carrier of claim 29, wherein at least one of thespacing members is detachable, and contains printed indicia to form apromotional card.
 38. The carrier of claim 29, wherein the carrier isformed of a single piece of paperboard.
 39. A blank for forming acarrier for food and beverage carriers, the carrier having a handle withfirst and second supports on opposing sides of the handle, the blankhaving a width and a length, the blank comprising: nine panels and atleast eight fold lines, including in sequence beginning from a firstdistal end of the blank: a first glue panel having a free edge formingthe first distal end of the blank and having an interior edge extendingacross the width of the blank to form a first fold line defining a firstflange a second panel defining a first side of the handle of the carrierand having an opening therein sized to allow the fingers of a hand toenter the opening and grip the handle, the second panel sharing thefirst fold line with the first panel and having a second fold lineopposite thereto; a third panel defining a second side of the handle ofthe carrier and having an opening therein sized and located to alignwith the opening in the second panel when the first and second panelsare fastened together and folded about the second fold line to form thehandle, the third panel sharing the second fold line with the secondpanel and having a third fold line opposite thereto; a fourth panel forforming the second upper surface of the carrier, the fourth panel havinga round first beverage opening and having a second food opening cuttherein, a periphery defining at least one of the first and secondopenings in the fourth panel being slit to form a support memberextending into the opening in the fourth panel, the support member onthe fourth panel having a locking tab on a distal end thereof, thefourth panel sharing the third fold line with the third panel and havinga fourth fold line opposite the third fold line; a fifth panel forforming a second side panel of the carrier, the fifth panel sharing thefourth fold line with the fourth panel and having an opposing fifth foldline; a sixth panel for forming a lower surface of the carrier, thesixth panel having a plurality of locking openings formed therein whichopenings are sized and located to receive the locking tab on the supportmember of the second panel, the sixth panel sharing the fifth fold linewith the fifth panel and having an opposing, sixth fold line, a seventhpanel for forming a second side panel of the carrier, the seventh panelsharing the sixth fold line with the sixth panel and having an opposingseventh fold line, an eighth panel for forming a first upper surface ofthe carrier, the eighth panel having a round first beverage opening andhaving a second food opening cut therein, a periphery defining at leastone of the first and second openings in the eighth panel being slit toform a support member extending into the opening in the eighth panel,the support member on the eighth panel having a locking tab on a distalend thereof that is located and sized relative to locking openings inthe sixth panel so as to engage one of those locking openings when thecarrier is formed, the eighth panel sharing the seventh fold line withthe seventh panel and having an eighth fold line opposite the seventhfold line, a ninth panel for defining a flange that is fastened to thesecond panel to form the carrier, the ninth panel sharing the eighthfold line with the seventh panel.
 40. The blank of claim 39, wherein atleast one of the side panels is perforated to define a portion of adetachable promotional card, and wherein the at least one set of thethird and fourth or fifth and sixth fold lines have a portion of thefold line perforated to further define the detachable promotional card.41. The blank of claim 39, wherein the sixth panel further has aplurality of slits beginning and ending on each of the fifth and sixthfold lines in order to define spacing tabs on the carrier.
 42. The blankof claim 39, wherein the support tab is located on an edge of at leastone of the food openings which edge is located nearest a side edge ofthe blank.